Team Stats
TEAM RECORD - BUF: 50-25-9/PHI: 45-34-5
GOALS FOR: BUF: 327(3rd)/PHI: 304(6th)
GOALS AGAINST: BUF: 246(9th)/PHI: 254(12th)
PP%: BUF: 20.9%(7th)/PHI: 18%(15th)
PK%:BUF: 83.1%(7th)/PHI: 84.7%(4th)
OFFENSE: Buffalo has potent firepower in spades, with five 30+ goal scorers(Most in the NHL) and five players with 80+ points(Only Pittsburgh has more) so look for that to be a big factor. Philadelphia isn't too shabby with six players scoring 20+ goals. Age and experience may be the deciding factor for Buffalo, as the Flyers are led by a young core that hasn't seen the playoffs, while Buffalo has been to 7 straight playoffs. EDGE: BUFFALO
DEFENSE: The Flyers have a very young defense with Terry Carkner being the old guy at the age of 28, but they are very mobile and can move the puck very well. The question will be can they handle Dave Andreychuk and the hard forechecking from the Sabres forwards. Buffalo have a big solid blueline that put their bodies on the line nightly for Clint Malarchuk and they've been here before. EDGE: DRAW
GOALTENDING: Clint Malarchuk had a career year setting career highs in Wins and GAA and will look to continue his stellar year that saw him ranked in the Top 15 for GAA. Ron Hextall returns to the Playoffs and has also had a career year with career highs in Wins, GAA and SV%. EDGE: DRAW
PREDICTION: SABRES IN SIX. Their experience will see them through.